Bird Bits: Cardinals embarrassed by Rams

Sure, you could read the box score and know who won, but we all know that won’t tell you everything that happened in a football game. So, we will give you Bird Bits providing you with the analysis, quotes and notes from the Cardinals’ 31-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams.

The Story:

Rookie quarterback Ryan Lindley made his first professional start and it didn’t go well. The sixth-round pick threw four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns by St. Louis rookie cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

The Good:

Beanie Wells returned to the gridiron after a prolonged absence with a turf toe injury and played well. The fourth-year pro ran for 48 yards on 17 carries and scored two touchdowns — his first two scores of the season.

The Bad:

Lindley’s second half performance left a lot to be desired. To his defense, the Rams brought a lot more pressure with blitz schemes, and they seemed to confuse the rookie.

Even with the quarterback change, the Cardinals failed to get the ball into the hands of Larry Fitzgerald. Fitz had just three catches for 31 yards and has just four receptions in the last two games.

Noted:

• Jenkins became the first Ram in history to have two interception returns for touchdowns in the same game. As a franchise, they’ve played 1,030 games.

• The Rams hadn’t forced a turnover in their previous five games, but picked off four passes against the Cardinals.

• St. Louis’ 31 points tied their season-high. They also had 31 in a Week 2 win over the Washington Redskins.

• The Rams picked up their first road win of the season, snapping a seven-game road losing streak.

Coming Up Next:

The Cardinals hit the road to take on the New York Jets at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey next Sunday.